Inquests were opened into the deaths of three people at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Brian Pratley, 90, of South Lawn, Witney, died at the hospital on July 23 – having been admitted four days earlier after striking his head while falling at his home. The cause of his death was reported to be acute subdural haematomas, or bleeds on the brain. An inquest will take place on October 4.

READ MORE: What happens at an inquest?

Retired police officer Peter Langley, 86, of Freedland, near Witney, died on March 29 at the hospital. He was said to have suffered a fall the day before his death. Following a post-mortem, the cause of his death was found to be a severe head injury and valvular heart disease. A full inquest into his death was adjourned to take place on December 13.

William Haine, 78, a retired famer from Great Coxwell, near Faringdon, died at the John Radcliffe Hospital on July 27. He sustained a head injury after falling at home on July 19. The cause of death was reported to be traumatic brain injury. A full inquest will be held on October 4.

The purpose of an inquest is to establish the identity of the person of died and how they came by their death. An inquest is typically held following a non-natural death.

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @t_seaward